“I wouldn’t be caught dead playing that game,” Ashton grumbles. “I have a reputation to uphold, but you girls should come over tonight and we can find something else to play.”
I glance up at him, not sure what he’s insinuating. I know Ashton’s a flirt, and if he’s suggesting some kinky sex game with Kensley or me, I’ll kick him in the balls.
“We have Catan, Dominion, a bunch of other non-party games. I hate those shitty card games,” he mutters.
“Probably because you’re bad at them,” Kensley quips.
I can’t help but laugh, enjoying that she’s dishing it out at Ashton.
“I’ve got to head to class,” Kensley says. “But text me the address and we can all hang out this evening, that’s fine.”
My stomach somersaults at the idea of hanging out over Ashton’s place. “Will Luca be there?”
He doesn’t want to see me. At least that’s all I can assume, based on him not answering my texts and not showing up in class.
He’s avoiding me.
Maybe it would be good to see him, to try to talk with him and figure things out. If not for my own sake, then for Zeke’s.
Ashton shrugs. “I’m not his babysitter. You guys coming, or what?”
“You don’t have practice tonight?”
“We’re meeting up in the gym in an hour, but after dinner, we’re free. Come over around seven this evening.”
“We’ll be there,” Kensley agrees as she hurries off to class.
I glance at Ashton, rolling my lips together as we walk. I head back to the dorms to study, I’m not sure where he’s heading, but he’s following me.
“What?” he asks, sensing I have something to say.
“You’re really not going to tell me how Luca is doing?”
Ashton exhales heavily and glances around. It’s just the two of us on the pavement, no one within listening distance if that’s what he’s worried about. “I’m not sure what there is to tell. He’s pissed as shit.”
“At me,” I say, not really asking.
“At you, at the universe. I’m not his biggest fan at the moment, either, it turns out. He threw a knife at me on Saturday when he came home.”
“Holy shit.” My breath catches in my throat as I stop walking and glance him over. “Are you okay?”
Ashton beams. “I’m fine. I know how to duck. He, though, clearly isn’t okay. You and he need to figure things out. Have you told your parents yet?”
His question catches me out of the blue, and I walk away, continuing to the dorms.
Ashton takes two quick steps to catch up with me.
“Why are you asking about my parents?” Shivers run down my spine, and while it’s chilly outside and the slight breeze tickles my skin, this feeling is beneath my jacket.
“It’s common knowledge from the weekend that you’re bringing your parents to meet theirs. You do have a wedding to plan,” he says and nudges me.
“Fuck off.” I quicken my pace, the dorms in the distance.
Why is he still walking with me? His place is in the opposite direction, and there’s no reason for him to have parked all the way out here, assuming he has a car. I’ve never seen him drive.
“I’m trying to help you,” Ashton says. He’s taller than I am, his long legs easily striding to keep up and match my pace.
It sucks being average height right now. I never cared much, either way, but how easily he walks alongside me while I feel like I have to speed walk to get away. “I don’t need your help.”
